Party manifesto: Musharraf pledges to build Kalabagh

Rejects speculation of deal with PML-N chief.

ISLAMABAD:

Former president Pervez Musharraf on Monday joined the club of politicians who have unveiled their party’s manifestos, pledging that he would undertake construction of Kalabagh Dam, restore local governments and strengthen the army.

Announcing his future vision for the country from the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) platform, the retired general said that the construction of Kalabagh Dam was inevitable. “The dam has been turned into a political issue by Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Our party will resolve the dispute through talks.”



Highlighting the shortage of water, Musharraf said that the dams at Tarbela and Mangla were only storing water from the glaciers, while river water was being wasted. Promising to boost economic growth in the country, Musharraf said that his party would increase Pakistan’s GDP, exports and foreign direct investment.

Claiming that all vital energy production projects, such as the Neelum-Jehlum hydel project, Ghazi Barotha project and Bunji dam project, were started during his tenure, the APML chief promised to enhance electricity production through hydel sources. This  will eventually bring down electricity tariffs in the country, he claimed.

Speaking to journalists at his farm house residence, Musharraf said “there can be no compromise over the country’s defences and we will have to further secure our nuclear assets,” adding that he was fully aware of the multiple threats facing the country.

“As Muslims, we must ensure equal rights to minorities and we must shun discrimination on the basis of religion,” said Musharraf, calling for fighting fundamentalism in the country. Focusing on the economy, the former president recalled that when he left the government Pakistan’s loans stood at Rs36 billion but this has now soared to Rs70 billion.

After announcing the manifesto, the former president told media that he would soon start a nationwide campaign in support of his candidates.

Answering questions by journalists, Musharraf said he had no tacit deal with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif nor had he met Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. He added that he respected the Supreme Court and that he was not worried by any court cases against him.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2013.